Updates from State Library Services
 Wash & Learn Brings the Library to the Laundromat
Saint Paul Public Library was the first of several Minnesota
libraries to launch Wash
& Learn, an initiative that brings library and technology resources to
laundromats. On Saturday, May 12, Giant
Wash Coin Laundry on Rice Street hosted the kick-off event, which featured
remarks by Mayor Melvin Carter III, activities for children, information for
adults, and free laundry for attendees. Take a look at some photos from the event.
Each program site will have laptops connecting to online
resources curated for local community interests. At select times, library staff
will be on site to offer storytimes and to help connect people to information
they need.
Wash & Learn is the result of a partnership between
State Library Services, Libraries Without Borders, the LaundryCares Foundation,
Saint Paul Public Library, Scott County Library, and Anoka County Library. The
other libraries will have their launch events soon.
For more information, please contact
Jen Nelson (651-582-8791).
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Library Construction Grantees Announced
State Library Services is pleased to announce the following
Library Construction Grant recipients for the competitive round that started in
fall 2017.
- Carlton Area Library: Widen a walkway and replace an
entrance; add an automatic opener and a heated ramp; and tuck point the
building.
- Fergus Falls Public Library: Expand the current building, add advanced
technology access, enhance areas for youth, and improve community meeting
and gathering spaces.
- Foley Public Library: Install a power push button mechanism at the
front door.
- Grand Rapids Area Library: Modify interior entrance
doorways, and replace existing three doors with two larger doors, one with
an automatic door opener. Create a small meeting room large enough for 3-4
people in wheelchairs or other mobility devices to meet without being
overheard.
- Tracy Public Library: Remodel the basement to be used for programming,
study space, and meetings.
- Windom Public Library: Replace windows and doors in the 1911 building
to improve safety, energy efficiency, and lighting.
Congratulations to all the grantees! We are in the process
of finalizing end grant agreements for recipients from the competitive round
that started in winter 2018. We will announce that group of awardees as soon as
all agreements are complete.
Funding for the program was allocated by the 2017 Minnesota
Legislature in the bonding bill. For more information about the program, please
contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508) or visit the Minnesota Department of
Education website.
 Sharing and Learning Among School and Public Librarians
The Libraries Serving Youth Meetup at the Wellstone Center in St. Paul on April 30 was well-attended by 44 school and public librarians. We look forward to bringing together library professionals each year, and giving them a day devoted to idea-sharing and networking.
Many wonderful panelists from urban and suburban public libraries and schools shared their collaboration experiences, touched on best practices, and acknowledged lessons learned. Representatives from a variety of local library organizations highlighted their available resources during a speedy lightning round.
A huge thank you to all who attended and everyone who helped make the program possible, including the Meetup advisory planning board. We hope to see everyone (and new attendees, too!) next spring at our fifth annual Meetup. If you were unable to attend the Meetup, but are interested in the materials and resources shared, please contact Leah Larson (651-582-8604.)
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Exploring Racial
Equity in Libraries
One
of the goals of Minnesota’s new LSTA Five-Year Plan is for libraries to better
respond to diverse community needs. Minnesota’s cities and towns are rapidly
diversifying. We believe library staff members might benefit from training in
racial equity. In assessing and adapting library services with an equity lens,
libraries can provide responsive, high-quality services to everyone in their
communities.
State Library Services intends to hold a racial
equity workshop for library staff in September. The workshop will be scheduled
in three locales, one each in the state’s northern, central, and southern
regions. The workshop will include a panel of library staff who can talk about
how their libraries have promoted racial equity in hiring, collection
development, programming, patron interactions, or community engagement. If you are interested in being on the
panel and sharing your experiences with your peers (or know of someone else who
would be a great panel member), please contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640).
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MDE Implements New Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
Effective June 1, 2018,
the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) campus in Roseville,
Minnesota, is tobacco-free – including the building, parking lots, and
grounds. Please keep this policy in mind when planning visits to MDE.
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